Blessed is the One

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Scripture: Psalm 41:1-3, 11-13 (ESV)

1 Blessed is the one who considers the poor!

                In the day of trouble, the Lord delivers him;

2     the Lord protects him and keeps him alive;

he is called blessed in the land;

you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.

3     The Lord sustains him on his sickbed;

in his illness you restore him to full health.

. . .

11    By this I know that you delight in me:

my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.

12    But you have upheld me because of my integrity,

and set me in your presence forever.

13    Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,

from everlasting to everlasting!

Amen and Amen.

 

Devotion:

           

            This psalm ends book one of the psalms. It proclaims God’s blessing on His people. It begins by pronouncing a blessing on one who considers the poor. The word translated considers means to give thoughtful assistance. This is like the idea of teaching a man to fish rather than giving him a fish when he is hungry. The word translated poor here can mean poor health as well as poverty. This psalm tells us that the Lord will protect and guard the one who is downtrodden and will restore the ill to full health.

 

            The closing verses of the psalm let us know how we can tell if the Lord is happy with us or not. The psalm ends by pronouncing blessings on God for all His gracious assistance. This psalm proclaims that the Lord has been, is, and will be good to Israel forever. The Lord gives each one help according to their need. We can rely on this help because the Lord is always faithful even when we are not. The words of this psalm teach us to expect good things from God. Regardless of our usefulness in the worlds eyes God always helps his people.

 

Prayer:

 

            Lord, let us be happy and rejoice today in the knowledge that you always care for us and in all ways. Let us glorify your name by lifting our voices and singing hymns, songs, and spiritual songs to you today. In sickness and in health you are our sure provider, and you care for us. Let us proclaim the goodness of the Lord with every breath we take. We know that the Lord will provide for our needs, so we give you thanks Oh Lord. Amen.

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